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Sliced Sicilian meatloaf with mozzarella, basil, and ham filling on a ceramic plate

Sicilian Meatloaf with Mozzarella and Basil Filling

Sicilian Meatloaf with Mozzarella and Basil Filling is a hearty, tender meatloaf with a savory cheesy center and fresh herb flavor. It is a comforting dish that is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • ¾ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Filling
  • ¼ pound deli ham
  • 12–15 large fresh basil leaves
  • 1¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Serving
  • Marinara sauce, for serving
  • Cooked pasta, for serving
  • Zucchini noodles, for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chopped red onion and red bell pepper for about 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir the minced garlic into the skillet and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and allow the vegetables to cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, eggs, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, parsley, and cooked vegetables. Mix gently until the ingredients are evenly combined.
Assembly
  1. Place parchment paper on a work surface and shape the meat mixture into an approximately 8x15-inch rectangle.
  2. Arrange the deli ham, basil leaves, and shredded mozzarella over the meat mixture, leaving space around the edges.
  3. Use the parchment paper to help roll the meat mixture into a tight jelly-roll shape. Close the seam and seal the ends by pinching them together.
  4. Move the rolled meatloaf to the prepared baking sheet.
Baking
  1. Bake the meatloaf for about 1 hour, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  2. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serving
  1. Serve the sliced meatloaf warm with marinara sauce, cooked pasta, or zucchini noodles.

Notes

Use parchment paper to assist with shaping and rolling the meatloaf, and avoid overmixing the beef mixture to help maintain a tender texture.